Longbow Partners Expands its North Texas Operations
Longbow Partners, a well-respected advisory and advocacy firm, has announced a significant enhancement to its North Texas operations with the addition of Mercedes Bolen, a highly regarded strategist in external affairs. Bolen’s extensive experience makes her an invaluable asset as she assumes the leadership of local municipal and county government affairs, public relations, and client communication strategies.
For over twenty years, Bolen has been a prominent figure in this arena, known for her ability to execute high-impact initiatives and align organizational goals with local leadership across the Texas region. Her most recent role was as head of the Communications group and subsequently as Vice President of External Affairs and Strategic Initiatives at Hillwood Development Company. At Hillwood, she forged pivotal partnerships and advanced the organization’s interests throughout the expansive reach of AllianceTexas, thus becoming a significant player in the broader North Texas economy.
Prior to her successful tenure at Hillwood, Bolen was instrumental in leading municipal and community affairs for Chesapeake Energy throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth area. In this capacity, she was tasked with crafting clear and compelling narratives that addressed technical issues and supported land-use solutions—ensuring a balance between operational needs and community interests.
David Parker, Partner and Managing Director of Longbow's North Texas office, expressed enthusiasm over Bolen’s hire, stating, “Mercedes is one of the most effective communicators and trusted advocates in North Texas and has been a proven coalition builder since I first met her in 2007.” He further emphasized Longbow's deep-rooted commitment to handling complex work in Texas, affirming, “Mercedes' ability to navigate political dynamics and translate business objectives into action is exactly what our clients expect.”
Longbow Partners has built a solid reputation over the past 15 years for guiding organizations through the intricate landscape of political, regulatory, and community challenges. By welcoming Bolen to the firm, they are significantly bolstering their presence in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, particularly with their offer of turnkey advocacy services designed for clients operating at the junction of policy, business development, reputation management, and regional growth.
“I’m excited to join longtime colleagues in strengthening an already exceptional firm,” Bolen remarked upon joining. “Longbow’s unwavering commitment to service, strategic insight, and trust-based relationships aligns perfectly with my approach to this work. Together, we will help clients navigate complexities and achieve impactful results.”
Founded in 2010, Longbow Partners prides itself on being a trusted advisor for businesses, trade associations, nonprofits, and individuals regarding public policy and political matters that significantly affect their success. Their client base is carefully curated, reflecting an uncompromising commitment to ethical practices coupled with personalized service derived from comprehensive teamwork efforts. The specialists at Longbow employ diverse skillsets and strategic insights, ensuring they provide tailored, attentive counsel aimed at achieving a myriad of business, industry, and public policy goals.
For additional information about Longbow Partners and their services, interested parties can visit their website at
longbowpartners.com.